Method of installing photovoltaic modules

ABSTRACT

A method of installing and connecting together one or more photovoltaic (PV) modules is disclosed. Electrically conductive contacts embedded into the surface of each of one or more photovoltaic (PV) modules provide the connection point for two PV modules to be connected together. PV modules are connected together by removing a protective backing material from an adhesive area surrounding a first set of contacts of a first PV module, and adhering to an adhesive area surrounding a second set of contacts of a second PV module, the adhesive making the connection and sealing and protecting the contact area. No external wiring, connectors or devices are required to make the electrical connection between two PV modules. Contacts are integral and embedded into the surface of each individual PV module. The PV modules have adhesive on the back to allow them to be adhesively attached to a surface without additional mounting hardware. Once the PV modules are connected together, protective spacers are adhesively attached to protect all exposed contacts. Electrical circuit connectors are adhesively attached to the contacts on one end of the series of interconnected PV modules, which then in turn electrically connects to an electrical device or load. The entire assembly of interconnected PV modules is then adhesively attached to an installation surface.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This invention relates to methods of installing photovoltaic modules.

Background of the Invention

Solar power systems typically consist of a series of solar panels ormodules connected together either in series or in parallel. They arenormally connected by wires with male and female connectors on eitherside of the wiring that connects the modules. The wiring is either runalong the backside of the modules along the mounting rack, or along theinside of the back frame of the module or panel itself. In some cases,the wiring is run inside a wiring chase or raceway behind the modules.

Alternatively, the connecting wiring for multiple solar modules isintegrated within the module itself, as described in patent applicationSer. No. 15/261,160 submitted 9 Sep. 2016, entitled “PhotovoltaicModular System”. When the wiring is integrated or embedded within eachof the modules in the system, there still is the need to connect thewiring between two adjacent modules.

For systems with microinverters at each solar panel, the DC voltage isinverted to AC power, and a junction box is required for the connectionto the power circuits that extend back to the AC service panel. Theconnection to the interconnecting wiring with wire nuts or connectors,and installing junction boxes requires a lot of time and labor.

In summary, the key advantages posited for the method of installingphotovoltaic modules include a method that:

incorporates the connectors into each individual module;

allows the PV modules to be directly connected together without the needfor additional interconnecting wiring; and

provides for adhesively attaching a plurality of PV modules to aninstallation surface.

SUMMARY

This invention has been developed in response to the present state ofthe art and, in particular, in response to the problems and needs in theart that have not yet been fully solved by currently available systemsand methods. Features and advantages of different embodiments of theinvention will become more fully apparent from the following descriptionand appended claims, or may be learned by practice of the invention asset forth hereinafter.

Consistent with the foregoing, a method of installing photovoltaicmodules is disclosed which simplifies the installation of photovoltaicmodules allowing the modules to be installed and connected together inthe same step.

The method of installing photovoltaic modules, comprising contacts of anelectrically conductive material embedded into a surface of a PV modulewith a peel and stick adhesive backing to allow a first PV module to beconnected to a second PV module. The adhesive backing is removedexposing adhesive, and the first PV module is adhesively attached to thesecond PV module. Electrical wiring connected to the first PV modulecircuitry is connected via the contacts of the first PV moduleconnecting to the contacts of the second PV module allowing theelectrical current to flow between the first PV module and the second PVmodule. The electrical wiring connected to the one or more contacts iscompletely encapsulated and electrically insulated.

In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more contacts of the firstPV module have a rectangular or oblong shape running parallel to a longside of the first PV module, and mating the one or more contacts of thesecond PV module having a rectangular or oblong shape runningperpendicular to a long side of the second PV module.

An electrically insulating adhesive area separates each one or morecontacts from all other adjacent one or more contacts; wherein theelectrically insulating adhesive allows for expansion and contraction,and an entire surface area of the electrically insulating adhesive areais covered by a protective peel and stick paper backing.

The electrically insulating adhesive of the first PV module whenadhesively connected to the second PV module creates an air tight andmoisture tight seal encapsulating the one or more contacts; wherein thewidth of the electrically insulating adhesive creating an air tight andmoisture tight seal surrounding the one or more contacts is at least 2cm.

The one or more contacts embedded into a surface are completelyencapsulated except for one surface of the one or more contacts. Inanother embodiment, the one or more contacts embedded into a surfacehave only one surface of the one or more contacts embedded into theexterior surface of the PV module, and all other surfaces are exposed.The one or more contacts are comprised of one or more of electricallyconductive materials including alloys of copper, aluminum, nickel,stainless steel, silver, graphite, tungsten, and carbide. The one ormore contacts are rated for a total combined electrical current flow ofa plurality of connected PV modules. Two adjacent one or more contactsare separated by a distance of at least 2.0 cm.

In one embodiment of the invention, the one or more contacts are coatedwith an electrically conductive adhesive, wherein the electricallyconductive adhesive comprises one or more electrically conductivematerials of carbon, graphite, tungsten, graphene, carbon nanotubes andcarbide. The electrically conductive adhesive area covers an entire areaof one or more contact and extends at least 0.5 cm beyond each boundaryedge of a surface of the one or more contacts.

In another embodiment, the one or more contacts in the first PV moduleare embedded with a foam backing providing load deflection forcing theone or more contacts outward from the first PV module towards the one ormore contacts in the second PV module.

In yet another embodiment, the one or more contacts are coated with anelectrically conductive metal with a low melting point from the group ofone or more elements including alloys comprising: gallium, rubidium andphosphorus.

In order to allow the alignment of two PV modules prior to attachment,an embodiment of the invention comprises the first PV module with anotch for viewing an alignment line printed on the surface of the secondPV module. In another embodiment, the first PV module has an alignmentline printed on the surface for visual alignment of the second PVmodule.

Adhesive areas surrounding the contacts adhesively attaches the contactsand an area surrounding the contacts of the first PV module to thesecond PV module, wherein each PV module also has an attachment surfacearea of the PV module covered with adhesive so that the PV module can beadhesively attached to a surface. Each adhesive area is covered with aprotective backing material.

Electrical wiring is connected to the plurality of connected PV modulesthat is extended to and connected to an electrical device or load. Allexposed one or more contacts are protected by an adhesively appliedspacer that provides protection from water and the elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not thereforeto be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be describedand explained with additional specificity and detail through use of theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a top view of a first PV module.

FIG. 1B is a top view of a second PV module.

FIG. 2 is a top view the first and second PV modules connected together.

FIG. 3A is a cross section of the first PV module showing the contacts.

FIG. 3B is a cross section of the second PV module showing the contacts.

FIG. 3C is a cross section of the first and second PV modules connectedtogether.

FIG. 4 is a section view of the PV module showing the electrical wiringand contacts.

FIG. 5A is a top view of two contacts vertically oriented.

FIG. 5B is a top view of two contacts horizontally oriented.

FIG. 6A shows two partial PV modules with a notch on the first PV moduleand a guide line on the second PV module.

FIG. 6B shows two partial PV modules with the first and second PVmodules connected with the guide line shown within the notch.

FIG. 7A shows two partial PV modules with the first PV module and aguide line on the second PV module.

FIG. 7B shows two partial PV modules with the first PV module shownaligned to the guideline on the second PV module.

FIG. 8A is a side view of the first PV module prior to connection.

FIG. 8B is a side view of the second PV module prior to connection.

FIG. 8C is a side view of the first PV module prior to connection, withprotective backing material partially removed from the contacts.

FIG. 8D is a side view of the second PV module prior to connection, withprotective backing material partially removed from the contacts.

FIG. 8E is a side view of the first PV module with protective backingmaterial completely removed from the contacts showing how it connects tothe second PV module.

FIG. 8F is a side view of the second PV module with protective backingmaterial completely removed from the contacts showing how it connects tothe first PV module.

FIG. 8G is a side view of the first PV module with protective backingmaterial completely and arrows showing how it connects to the second PVmodule.

FIG. 8H is a side view of the second PV module with protective backingmaterial completely removed and arrows showing how it connects to thefirst PV module.

FIG. 8I is a side view of two PV modules connected together.

FIG. 8J is a side view of two PV modules connected together withconnection devices shown on either side of the two PV modules.

FIG. 8K is a side view of two PV modules connected together withconnection devices installed.

FIG. 8L is a side view of two PV modules connected together with theprotective backing material partially removed.

FIG. 8M is a side view of two PV modules connected together installedonto a surface.

FIG. 8N is a side view of four PV modules connected together.

FIG. 8O is a side view of four PV modules connected together with theprotective backing material partially removed.

FIG. 8P is a side view of four PV modules connected together installedonto a surface.

FIG. 9 is a top view showing how two PV modules connect together whenthey are slightly out of alignment.

FIG. 10 is a top view of two sets of overlapping PV contactsdemonstrating how expansion and contraction affects the connection.

FIG. 11A is a side view of two PV modules' contacts prior to connection.

FIG. 11B is a side view of two PV modules' contacts that are connected.

FIG. 11C is a side view of two PV modules' contacts that are connectedafter heat has been applied.

FIG. 12A is a side view of the PV module's contact with foam backing.

FIG. 12B is a side view of two PV modules' contacts with foam backingthat are connected together.

FIG. 13 is a side view of two PV modules' surface mounted contacts priorto connection.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the PV module showing the protectivebacking material partially removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be readily understood that the components of the presentinvention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein,could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the invention, as represented in the Figures, is notintended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merelyrepresentative of certain examples of presently contemplated embodimentsin accordance with the invention. The presently described embodimentswill be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like partsare designated by like numerals throughout.

In order to install a series of PV modules onto a surface, there areboth structural requirements relating to a PV module and itsconfiguration along with specific installation methods required in orderto install the modules properly. Therefore, the following drawings anddescriptions describe both of these aspects. Details relating to theelectrical connections between each set of PV modules, how they connectalong with how the connected modules are installed onto a surface aredescribed in this specification.

FIG. 1A is a top view 111 showing a top surface of a first PV module 102showing the electrical wiring 112 and contacts 106, 114, 115 and 116.The first PV module 102 is compatible with adjacent PV module 104. Inorder to electrically connect the wiring from PV module 102 to thewiring of PV module 104, each module has contacts on the top and bottomof each PV module that enables the PV modules to be connected together.The electrical wiring in each PV module is connected to the contacts.The vertical contacts 106 on a bottom surface of the PV module, and nextto the right hand side 124 of PV module 102 are designed to connect tothe horizontal contacts 108 on the top surface next to the left handside 135 of PV module 104. The internal wiring 112 is also connected toan array of PV cells 110. Additional PV modules can be connected to side128 via contacts 115, side 125 via contacts 116, and side 129 viacontacts 114.

FIG. 1B is a top view 122 showing a top surface of a second PV module104 showing contacts 108, 124, 125 and 126. Additional PV modules can beconnected to side 138 via contacts 125, side 134 via contacts 126, andside 139 via contacts 124.

FIG. 2 is a top view of two PV modules illustrating an example of howthey are connected together. The right edge 124 of PV module 102 slidesover and on top of the adjacent PV module 104, overlapping the left edge135 of PV module 104. The contacts 106 of PV module 102 align with thecontacts 108 of PV module 104 and electrically connect the PV module 102to PV module 104.

FIG. 3A is a cross section of a first PV module 102 showing the contacts106 on a bottom surface 311 of the PV module 102 and contacts 116 on atop surface 111. The right hand side 124 is configured to overlap on topof the adjacent PV module 104. Protective backing material 304 remainsin place until the PV modules are connected together.

FIG. 3B is a cross section of a second PV module 104 showing thecontacts 108 on a top surface 122 of the PV module and contacts 126 on abottom surface 322. The left hand side 135 is configured to fit belowthe adjacent PV module 104. Protective backing material 304 remains inplace until the PV modules are connected together.

FIG. 3C is a cross section of two PV modules connected together. Theprotective backing material 304 has been removed from contacts 106 and108. PV module 102 is electrically connected to PV module 104 viacontacts 106 adhesively connected to contacts 108. The right hand side124 of PV module 102 overlaps on top of the left hand side 124 of PVmodule 104. Contacts 116 and 126 are available for connection toadditional PV modules in order to extend the electrical circuiting tomore PV modules. If no additional PV modules are needed, the protectivebacking material 304 remains in place.

FIG. 4 is a section view of the PV module showing the electrical wiringand contacts. PV module 102 is shown with the top surface 111 and bottomsurface 311. Contacts 106 are embedded into the bottom surface 311 withonly a bottom facing surface of the contacts 106 exposed. All othersurfaces of contacts 106 are embedded into the module encapsulation. Thecontacts 106 are electrically isolated by insulating material 402.Electrical wiring 112 is isolated by insulating material 406.

FIG. 5A is a top view of two contacts vertically oriented. Contacts 501and 502 are oblong in order to allow for either misalignment whenconnecting to another PV Module, and also to allow for expansion andcontraction due to changes in temperature and humidity. Electricallyconductive adhesive 504 is coating contact 502 wherein the electricallyconductive adhesive area 504 covers the entire top surface area ofcontact 502 and extends at least 0.5 cm beyond 514 each boundary edge ofcontact 502. Electrically conductive adhesive 503 is coating contact501. This assures that there is good electrical conduction between thecontacts when they are connected. The area of the electricallyinsulating adhesive 506 creating an air tight and moisture tight sealsurrounding the one or more contacts is at least 2 cm. in width 512.This assures that there is enough surface area of encapsulation toprovide the required protection. The surface area between contact 502and contact 501 is at least 2.0 cm. in width 510. This spacing allowsenough insulating non-conducting material between the contacts so thatthere will be no electrical short or continuity between adjacentcontacts. Center line 522 and alignment line 530 align contact 501 withcontact 541 in FIG. 5B. Center line 522 and alignment line 520 aligncontact 502 with contact 542 in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 5B is a top view of two contacts horizontally oriented. Contacts541 and 542 are oblong in order to allow for either misalignment whenconnecting to another PV Module, and also to allow for expansion andcontraction due to changes in temperature and humidity. Electricallyconductive adhesive 544 is coating contact 542 wherein the electricallyconductive adhesive area 544 covers the entire top surface area ofcontact 542 and extends at least 0.5 cm beyond 552 each boundary edge ofcontact 542. Electrically conductive adhesive 543 is coating contact541. This assures that there is good electrical conduction between thecontacts when they are connected. The area of the electricallyinsulating adhesive 506 creating an air tight and moisture tight sealsurrounding the one or more contacts is at least 2 cm. in width 554.This assures that there is enough surface area of encapsulation toprovide the required protection. The surface area between contact 542and contact 541 is at least 2.0 cm. in width 550. This spacing allowsenough insulating non-conducting material between the contacts so thatthere will be no electrical short or continuity between adjacentcontacts. Center line 523 and alignment line 521 align contact 542 withcontact 502 in FIG. 5A. Center line 523 and alignment line 531 aligncontact 541 with contact 501 in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A shows a partial view of two PV modules prior to connection. PVmodule 102 with a notch 602, and a guide line 604 on PV module 104. Inorder to align the two PV modules for connection, the guide line 604 isvisually aligned within the notch 602 on PV module 102, aligningcontacts 106 and 108. The right hand side of PV module 102 and the lefthand side of PV module 104 are shown next to each other.

FIG. 6B shows two partial PV modules connected together. The right handside 124 of PV module 102 is overlapping the left hand side 135 of PVmodule 104. The notch 602 of PV module 102 is aligned with the guideline 604 of PV module 104 aligning contacts 106 with contacts 108

FIG. 7A shows a partial view of two PV modules prior to connection. Theright hand side 124 of PV module 102 aligns to a guide line 702 on PVmodule 104. In order to align the two PV modules for connection, theguide line 604 is visually aligned within the right hand side 124 on PVmodule 102, aligning contacts 106 and 108. The right hand side of PVmodule 102 and the left hand side of PV module 104 are shown next toeach other. Edge 128 of PV module 102 is lined up with edge 138 of PVmodule 104.

FIG. 7B shows two partial PV modules connected together. The right handside 124 of PV module 102 is overlapping the left hand side 135 of PVmodule 104. The right hand side 124 of PV module 102 is aligned with theguide line 702 of PV module 104 aligning contacts 106 with contacts 108.Edge 128 of PV module 102 is directly in line with edge 138 of PV module104.

FIGS. 8A through 8I show a step by step process for connecting PV module102 to PV module 104.

FIG. 8A is a side view of PV module 102 prior to connection. Protectivebacking material 304 is shown covering the electrically insulatingadhesive 506. Protective backing material 304 is shown covering theadhesive 806 on the bottom surface 311 of PV module 102.

FIG. 8B is a side view of PV module 104 prior to connection. The firststep in connecting together PV module 102 and PV module 104 is to removethe protective backing material from the connection areas of both PVmodules.

FIG. 8C is a side view of PV module 102 prior to connection, withprotective backing material 304 partially removed.

FIG. 8D is a side view of PV module 104 prior to connection, withprotective backing material 304 partially removed.

FIG. 8E is a side view of PV module 102 with protective backing materialcompletely removed, exposing the electrically insulating adhesive 506.

FIG. 8F is a side view of PV module 104 with protective backing materialcompletely removed, the electrically insulating adhesive 506.

FIG. 8G is a side view of PV module 102 with protective backing materialcompletely removed and arrows showing how it connects to PV module 104.The electrically insulating adhesive 506 adhesively connects PV module102 to PV module 104.

FIG. 8H is a side view of PV module 104 with protective backing materialcompletely removed and arrows showing how it connects to PV module 102.The electrically insulating adhesive 506 adhesively connects PV module104 to PV module 102.

FIG. 8I is a side view of PV module 102 and PV module 104 connectedtogether.

After the electrical connections are made between PV module 102 and PVmodule 104, the other connector ends need to be protected by either aspacer 802, or connected to an electrical circuit connector 804. FIG. 8Jis a side view of PV module 102 and PV module 104 connected together. Tothe left of the two connected PV modules, electrical circuit connector804 is shown with electrical wiring 806, adhesive 506 and protectivebacking material 304. To the right of the two connected PV modules,spacer 802 is shown with adhesive 506 and protective backing material304. The protective backing material 304 is removed in this step toallow for the electrical circuit connector 804 and the spacer 802 to beconnected.

The next step is shown in FIG. 8K. A side view of PV module 102 and PVmodule 104 connected together is shown. Electrical circuit connector 804is connected to PV module 102 and spacer 802 is connected to PV module104.

FIG. 8L shows the next step in preparation of installing the PV modulesonto an installation surface. Protective backing material 304 is shownbeing removed from the back of PV module 102 and PV module 104.

The final step is shown in FIG. 8M. Once the protective backing materialhas been completely removed, PV module 102 and PV module 104 connectedare installed onto a surface 816. Adhesive 812 adhesively attaches tothe surface 816. Electrical circuit connector 804 is connected to PVmodule 102, and electrical wiring 806 is extended to electrical device820.

FIG. 8N is a side view of PV modules 102, 104, 840 and 842. The purposeof this drawing is to show how more than two PV modules can be connectedtogether. The first step for connecting together more than two PVmodules is the same process as that which is described for two PVmodules. The first step is to adhesively connect together the electricalconnectors of all PV modules in the system.

FIG. 8O is a side view of PV modules 102, 104, 840 and 842. The secondstep of the process is to remove the protective backing material 304.

The final steps are shown in FIG. 8P. Once the protective backingmaterial has been completely removed, PV modules 102, 104, 840 and 842are installed onto a surface 816. Spacer 802 is adhesively attached tothe right hand side of PV module 842 in order to protect the electricalcontacts. Electrical circuit connector 804 is adhesively attached to PVmodule 102, and electrical wiring 806 is extended to electrical device820.

FIG. 9 is a top view showing how two PV modules connect together whenthey are slightly out of alignment. PV module 904 is shown laying on topof PV module 902. The two PV modules were not completely aligned whenthey were adhesively connected together, so the misalignment 910 asshown has created a slight offset between contacts 501, 502, 541 and542. Even though they are slightly offset, contact 502 is stillpartially connecting to contact 542. Likewise, contact 501 is connectingto contact 541. The area of the electrically insulating adhesive 506creating an air tight and moisture tight seal surrounding the contactsis also still wide enough to provide the proper protective seal.

FIG. 10 is a top view of two sets of overlapping PV contactsdemonstrating how expansion and contraction affects the connection. Thearea of the electrically insulating adhesive 1006 is shown prior to theexpansion from heat. The initial location of contact 502 andelectrically conductive adhesive area 1001, along with the initiallocation of contact 501 and electrically conductive adhesive area 1003are shown prior to the expansion. When heat is applied, the area 1006shifts to a new location as shown as area 1008. Likewise, contact 502shifts from 1001 to 1002. Contact 501 shifts from 1003 to 1004. Thisshifting due to expansion and contraction is facilitated by theexpansion and contraction properties of the adhesive. The mating designof the contacts enables the electrical connection to remain functionalduring and after the shift.

FIG. 11A is a side view of two PV modules' contacts prior to connection.Contact 106 of PV module 102 is aligned with contact 108 of PV module104 as shown. Electrically insulating adhesive 1110 is shown on theconnecting surface surrounding contact 106. Electrically conductivemetal 1102 is shown on the surface of contact 106. Electricallyinsulating adhesive 1112 is shown on the connecting surface surroundingcontact 108. Electrically conductive metal 1104 is shown on the surfaceof contact 108.

FIG. 11B is a side view of PV module 102 connected to PV module 104. Theelectrically insulating adhesive 1114 has bounded together from the twoPV modules providing an air tight and moisture tight seal surroundingthe contacts. The electrically conductive metal 1102 of PV module 102and the electrically conductive metal 1104 of PV module 104 are indirect contact with each other via electrically conductive metal 1104which provides continuity and a current path for the electrical currentto flow between them.

FIG. 11C is a side view of PV module 102 connected to PV module 104after heat has been applied. This view shows the electrically conductivemetal 1106 from contact 106 to contact 108 bonded completely togetherfrom the application of heat. The electrically conductive metal 1106provides both an electrical connection between the contacts and alsomechanically bonds the contacts together.

FIG. 12A is a side view of PV module 102 with a foam backing 1202between contact 106 and PV module 102 as shown. The foam backing isembedded as shown, and provides load deflection forcing contact 106outward from PV module 102 towards the contact of the PV module it willbe connected to. Electrically insulating adhesive 1110 is shown on theconnecting surface surrounding contact 106.

FIG. 12B is a side view of PV module 102 connected to PV module 106. Thefoam backing 1202 is embedded as shown, and provides load deflectionforcing contact 106 outward from PV module 102 towards contact 108 in PVmodule 104. Contact 106 and 108 are held tight to each other from thedeflection forces of foam 1202 and 1204. Electrically insulatingadhesive 1114 is shown which connects PV module 102 to PV module 104,maintaining the connective force required to sustain the connectionbetween contact 106 and 108.

FIG. 13 is a side view of PV module 102 and PV module 104. Contacts 106and 108 are shown as surface mounted contacts that are embedded onto thesurface of the PV module. Adhesive 1110 and adhesive 1112 connecttogether providing the mechanical connection required to hold contact106 to contact 108. This view illustrates how the contacts 106 and 108are embedded into a surface have only one surface of the contactembedded into the exterior surface of the PV module.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of PV module 102 showing the protectivebacking material 304 partially removed. Electrically insulating adhesive1110 is shown behind the protective backing material 304. Each sectioncan be removed as required to first make the electrical connections byremoving the protective backing covering the contacts and making thatconnection first. Once the adhesive contact areas 1402 have beenconnected, the remaining protective backing material 1404 can be removedexposing adhesive area 1410 for attachment of the PV module to asurface.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of installing and connectingtogether one or more photovoltaic (PV) modules, the method comprising:providing one or more PV modules with adhesive backing, covered by amodule protective backing material; providing one or more electricalconnectors on each of the one or more PV modules; providing anelectrical connector area on a module surface of the one or more PVmodules comprising electrically insulating adhesive surrounding the oneor more electrical connectors, the electrical connector area covered bya connector protective backing material; attaching a first PV module toan installation surface by removing the module protective backingmaterial and adhesively attaching it to the installation surface;electrically connecting a second PV module to the first PV module byremoving the connector protective backing material from the one or moreelectrical connectors on the first PV module and the second PV module,then adhesively attaching the first PV module electrical connector areato the second PV module electrical connector area; and attaching thesecond PV module to the installation surface by removing the moduleprotective backing material and adhesively attaching it to theinstallation surface.
 2. The method of installing and connectingtogether one or more PV modules of claim 1, the method furthercomprising: providing one or more electrical circuit connectors; theelectrical circuit connectors comprising: one or more electricalcontacts on each of the one or more electrical circuit connectors,predisposed to adhesively attach to one or more PV modules; electricallyinsulating adhesive surrounding the one or more electrical contacts, theelectrical connector area covered by a connector protective backingmaterial; and electrical wiring connected to the one or more electricalcontacts; and the method further comprising: adhesively connecting theone or more electrical circuit connectors to one or more PV modules andextending the electrical wiring to an electrical device or load.
 3. Themethod of installing and connecting together one or more PV modules ofclaim 2, wherein the electrically insulating adhesive of the one or moreelectrical circuit connectors are adhesively connected to one or more PVmodule electrical connectors creating an air tight and moisture tightseal encapsulating the one or more contacts.
 4. The method of installingand connecting together one or more PV modules of claim 1, the methodfurther comprising: providing one or more spacers to protect an exposedset of one or more electrical connectors of one or more PV modules, thespacers comprising: a first surface area coated with adhesive andcovered with a first protective backing material; a second surface areacoated with adhesive and covered with a second protective backingmaterial; removing the spacer's first protective backing material,exposing the adhesive and adhesively attaching it to the electricalconnector area of one or more PV modules; providing electricalinsulating and mechanical protection to an exposed set of one or moreelectrical connectors of one or more PV modules; and removing thespacer's second protective backing material and adhesively attaching thespacer to the installation surface.
 5. The method of installing andconnecting together one or more PV modules of claim 4, wherein theelectrically insulating adhesive of the one or more spacers areadhesively connected to one or more PV module electrical connectorscreating an air tight and moisture tight seal encapsulating the one ormore contacts.
 6. The method of installing and connecting together oneor more PV modules of claim 1, wherein the same process for connectingtogether the first PV module to the second PV module is applied to theaddition and connection of one or more PV modules to the systemincluding the first PV module and the second PV module.
 7. The method ofinstalling and connecting together one or more PV modules of claim 1,wherein the one or more contacts are coated with an electricallyconductive adhesive.
 8. The method of installing and connecting togetherone or more PV modules of claim 7, wherein the electrically conductiveadhesive comprises one or more electrically conductive materials ofcarbon, graphite, tungsten, graphene, carbon nanotubes and carbide. 9.The method of installing and connecting together one or more PV modulesof claim 7, wherein the electrically conductive adhesive area covers anentire area of one or more contacts and extends at least 0.5 cm beyondeach boundary edge of a surface of the one or more contacts.
 10. Themethod of installing and connecting together one or more PV modules ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more contacts in the first PV module areembedded with a foam backing providing load deflection forcing the oneor more contacts outward from the first PV module towards the one ormore contacts in the second PV module.
 11. The method of installing andconnecting together one or more PV modules of claim 1, wherein the oneor more contacts are coated with an electrically conductive metal with amelting point in the range of between 28 and 45 degrees Celsius from thegroup of one or more elements including alloys comprising: gallium,rubidium and phosphorus.
 12. The method of installing and connectingtogether one or more PV modules of claim 1, wherein the electricallyinsulating adhesive allows for expansion and contraction.
 13. The methodof installing and connecting together one or more PV modules of claim 1,wherein the electrically insulating adhesive of the first PV module areadhesively connected to the second PV module creating an air tight andmoisture tight seal encapsulating the one or more contacts.
 14. Themethod of installing and connecting together one or more PV modules ofclaim 13, wherein a surface area of the electrically insulating adhesivecreating an air tight and moisture tight seal surrounding the one ormore contacts is at least 2 cm. in width.
 15. The method of installingand connecting together one or more PV modules of claim 1, wherein theone or more contacts are rated for a total combined electrical currentflow of a plurality of connected PV modules.
 16. The method ofinstalling and connecting together one or more PV modules of claim 1,wherein the one or more contacts of the first PV module have arectangular or oblong shape running parallel to a long side of the firstPV module, and mating the one or more contacts of the second PV modulehaving a rectangular or oblong shape running perpendicular to a longside of the second PV module.
 17. The method of installing andconnecting together one or more PV modules of claim 1, wherein the firstPV module has a notch for viewing an alignment line printed on thesurface of the second PV module.
 18. The method of installing andconnecting together one or more PV modules of claim 1, wherein the firstPV module has an alignment line printed on the surface for visualalignment of the second PV module.
 19. The method of installing andconnecting together one or more PV modules of claim 1, wherein theelectrically insulating adhesive area is covered by the protectivebacking material; wherein the protective backing material is removed atthe time of installation, exposing the adhesive.
 20. The method ofinstalling and connecting together one or more PV modules of claim 1,wherein each area of an attachment surface of the PV module is coveredwith adhesive and the protective backing material, allowing theprotective backing material to be removed and exposing the adhesive.